World Class Automotive Group proudly announces that Shelby Reed, co-owner of Planet Ford Lincoln and President of Reed Family Enterprises, is one of just 16 participants nationwide to graduate from Ford Motor Company’s inaugural Rising Leaders program.
The year-long, competitive program culminated in a recent graduation ceremony at Ford headquarters in Michigan, recognizing the first class of trailblazers poised to shape the future of the automotive industry and the dealership network.
“It’s a privilege to have joined the first class of Ford Rising Leaders,” said Shelby Reed. “I had the opportunity to network with dealer colleagues, interact with key Ford executives, and deepen my understanding of the business. I’m leaving the program more confident in Ford and Lincoln, and its bright future.”
Designed to empower the next generation of dealer leadership, the Rising Leaders program includes a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, dealer forums, executive interactions, and unique insights into Ford and Lincoln’s product innovations and history.
“We created this program to invest in our future leaders and strengthen our dealer network,” said Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer, Ford Motor Company. “The positive feedback and success from this inaugural class will allow us to expand the Rising Leaders program significantly moving forward.”
“This is a very exciting program,” said Randall Reed, CEO of World Class Automotive Group and Reed Family Enterprises. “We are thrilled one of our very own world-class stars was among Ford and Lincoln’s class of rising stars.”
Ford offers a range of immersive, in-person training programs, but Rising Leaders stands out by providing exclusive, small-group access to top-tier leadership development tailored to future dealer principals.
About World Class Automotive Group
World Class Automotive is owned by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several award-winning dealerships throughout Texas, including: The #1 Ford dealership* in Texas, Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Ford 635 (formerly Prestige Ford) in Garland, Planet Ford Dallas Love Field (formerly Park Cities Ford), and Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field. Since 1996, the automotive group has earned well over 350 awards and achievements. Learn more at ReedHasIt.com.
*Based on retail Ford sales reported by Ford annually since 1998